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Improving cognition by adherence to physical or mental exercise: a moderated mediation analysis
Andrea Evers1, Verena Klusmann, Ralf Schwarzer
1Department of Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany. Andrea.Evers@charite.de
Aging & Mental Health
|April 19, 2011
Summary
Engaging in challenging physical or mental activities can improve cognitive function in older women. Adherence to these activities, measured by course attendance, is key to achieving these memory benefits, especially for those with lower baseline cognitive scores.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Investigating the link between challenging activities and cognitive enhancement in older adults.
- Examining the role of adherence in mediating cognitive benefits from interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if physical or mental activities improve cognitive function in healthy older women.
- To assess the impact of adherence on the relationship between activity type and cognitive outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A six-month randomized controlled trial involving 229 healthy women (ages 70-93).
- Participants engaged in weekly physical or mental activities.
- Episodic and working memory were assessed pre- and post-intervention using five tests.
Main Results:
- Both activity groups showed significant cognitive improvement compared to the control group.
- Adherence, indicated by course attendance, positively predicted cognitive performance.
- The positive effect of activity mode on cognition was strongest for participants with lower baseline cognitive scores.
Conclusions:
- Challenging physical or mental activities enhance episodic and working memory in healthy older women.
- Adherence is a crucial factor for cognitive improvement, particularly for individuals with lower initial cognitive fitness.
- Course attendance serves as a reliable adherence metric influencing intervention outcomes.
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